The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly caused havoc in the fashion industry, but some Australian creatives are meeting the challenge and producing some of their best (and most unique) work to date.
While many retail businesses have faced struggles – and in Melbourne’s case right now, had to close – that hasn’t meant the work has stopped.
Their answer? The accessory everyone is trying to get their hands on – face masks.
Medical professionals have donned the face garment for years now as an additional protective barrier against the transmission of germs.
And now as the world continues to manage the pandemic, face masks have become ordinary attire for the general public, and compulsory in Victoria.
“We’re going to be wearing masks in Victoria and potentially in other parts of the country for a very long time,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews explained.
“This is our new normal, at least for the next four-and-a-bit weeks and beyond that, I think that we will have to embrace things like masks,” Andrews added of the facial garments.
Elsewhere across the country, the Australian government has not yet advised the mandatory wearing of masks for residents (provided they are not showing symptoms of COVID-19), however, many are doing it voluntarily.
At the front of the influential pack of people is none other than Duchess Catherine, who recently donned a beautiful floral creation by Amaia Kids.
The ‘Kate Effect’ was in full swing, with the world jumping to buy their own version of a floral face shield.
See below to find out where you can source your own chic floral mask and help the Australian fashion industry.
Duchess Catherine looked gorgeous in this Amaia Kids. face mask.
(Getty)While the debate rages on about whether masks should be compulsory or not, the benefits of donning them in public spaces is being documented more and more.
If fitted correctly, the mask creates a physical barrier between your mouth and your immediate environment, which can protect against large droplets spreading from other people around you.
Wearing a mask can also subconsciously help you remember not to touch your face, which is a known way to fast track the virus’ spread.
Below, we take a look at some of the unique ways fashion brands are creating quirky mask designs that are also helping to make a difference.
So, if you’re looking to buy a mask, whether it’s for your own peace of mind or as a way to give back, the below options are a great place to start.
Bundarra
Bundarra’s designs are not only ethically and sustainably made, but they’re also helping to support employment for Indigenous people across Australia. Featuring unique Indigenous artwork on each face mask creation, they’re well worth the spend of $24.95. Buy online here.
Primness
The eco-friendly Primness Face Mask is crafted from pure woven cotton and is treated in an antimicrobial finish. The handy four pack means you can protect your whole family in one purchase or have a different colour mask to match to your outfit (loungewear) of the day.
Slip
Reusable silk coverings have become the face masks du jour thanks to the 100% double sided mulberry silk that’s far gentler on our delicate facial skin than cotton equivalents. Don’t worry, they’re just as protective with a cotton lining inside.
floral
Make like Kate with this gorgeous floral face mask from Lovisa, which is available for pre-order for $15.99. Order one online here.
Harvey the Label
Adelaide designer Mim Harvey was forced to close her shop in Adelaide’s shopping hub, so she decided to put her unexpected free time to good use. She and a small group of friends began creating masks with a special charitable twist – for every $10 mask purchased, four more are donated to essential face-to-face workers.
Harvey the Label
We are loving Mim Harvey’s designs – and the charitable message behind them.
Harvey the Label 2
She’s created a selection of unique designs, which can be purchased here.
Harvey the Label
Seriously, there’s something for everyone in this lot. Check out this unique cat design here.
Vault Active
Melbourne-based Vault Active have created a nifty reusable mask made from a cotton blend plus an inner layer of 5% spandex. Priced at $18, these designs are all about quality. They’re currently in the process of being made, so you can pre-order one to arrive within the next few weeks here.
Third Boi
Another Melbourne company Third Boi are making-to-order these pinstriped designs made with three fabric layers. The top and inner layer is made from 100% cotton jersey and the middle layer is made from a poly cotton blend per the recommended guidelines. $18 each, order one online here.
Masks 3
If you’re after something a little bit fun, Ownsit! has the mask for you. While you can simply hit add to cart and a design will be lucky dipped for you – you can also specify certain prints at the checkout if there’s one that catches your fancy. Available for pre-order for $30, buy them online here.
Arnsdorf
Handmade in Melbourne’s Collingwood, these triple layer masks feature a cotton fabric with handy earloops. $25 each – available for pre-order here.
Fashion Advocate
Melbourne brand The Fashion Advocate have spoiled us for choice when it comes to choosing prints and colours to adorn our safety-conscious faces with. From florals to stripes and bright animal prints – there’s something here for everyone. Priced from $29.95, you can order your print of choice online here.
Ford Millinery
Similarly, local company Ford Millinery launched a special initiative called Masks 4 Mates, which donates a face mask to charity with every purchase of any of their designs.
Merino Country 2
Merino Country
What could be more Aussie than a classic merino pullover on a visit to the countryside? A 100% merino face mask, it seems. Merino Country owner Kerrie Richards began making the unique face masks after receiving a number of requests from their loyal customer base.
Merino Country
The rest, as they say, was history, the company began creating 1000 masks per day, requiring the hands of extra staff and serendipitously keeping a number of people employed – both within and outside the company.
“As a family business, we made a conscious decision to manufacturer in Australia to support local jobs and communities and to maintain the quality of our products,” Kerrie told Countryman in April.
You can shop their colourful selection, which is priced at $30 each here.
Merino Country
With all kinds of bright and bold colours, the quirky masks feature layers of soft Merino fabric with covered rubber at the top and sides. They’re also machine washable. Order one online here.
The Eco Mask
Made in Sydney, The Eco Mask offers a range of prints featuring a multiple-wear design that features a filter slot and is eco-friendly. The prices range from $15-$30 each. Shop them here.
The Eco Mask
We weren’t kidding when we said they went all out on the prints. Shop this purple design here.
